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National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Opens Scholarship Applications

15:00 January 18, 2022
By: Burke Bischoff

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is currently accepting applications for more than $1 million in grants and scholarships to people going for a secondary degree in the hospitality, foodservice, and restaurant industry.

The purpose of the NRAEF grants and scholarships is to lighten the financial burden of secondary education and support future leaders in the restaurant industry. In 2021, the NRAEF awarded $1.1 million in scholarships to more than 300 students across 44 states and territories. Of those individuals, nearly 60% of the scholarship recipients were Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, 70% were women, and half were first-generation college students.

The scholarships have no age restrictions and can be used towards tuition and fees, room and board, books, as well as other school-related expenses. Anyone looking to pursue higher education in a restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality related field are encouraged to apply, including recent high-school graduates, adults looking to make a career change, military service members, or individuals at various education levels.

"These scholarships are intended to help the next generation of leaders in our industry realize their dreams through higher education," President of the NRAEF Rob Gifford said. "Their resilience, talent, and energy will be crucial in the years ahead, and I hope everyone eligible will take the time to apply."

"I plan to use my education to open up my own high-end pastry shop that gives back to the community in a meaningful way, both by employing people with barriers to employment through job training programs and also by giving a percentage of proceeds back to the community," said Stephanie Loo, a 2021 NRAEF scholarship recipient who is majoring in baking and pastry arts at the Institute of Culinary Education. "My dream to own a pastry shop is an opportunity to bring joy to a neighborhood and grow employees from all walks of life. The financial assistance through NRAEF is a huge help in realizing both my short-term and long-term career goals."

The deadline to apply for the scholarships is March 15, 2022. For anyone who qualifies for the grants and is looking to apply, visit chooserestaurants.org/scholarships.

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